It has had to readjust its programme whilst maintaining contact with fans and signers through online content
The University of the Balearic Islands choir will continue to maintain face-to-face rehearsals suspended for the time being. The move was agreed in an online meeting on 28th May, where two occupational health professionals - Santi Hernández, technician in the UIB Prevention Service, and Rafel Castell, a chorister in the UIB choir and a doctor specialised in occupational medicine -informed the group about how the COVID-19 situation affects choir rehearsals.
They are currently unaware of any specific procedure for choir singing with regard to COVID-19, and there are no definitive comparative studies referring to the danger of infection amongst choir members. Nevertheless, thanks to what has been researched thus far, both professionals agree that there is a high risk of infection through singing together given the high number of cases reported in other choirs around the world. Therefore, prudence is key and they do not recommend any UIB choir group restart face-to-face rehearsals at present, whether in open or closed spaces. They will review the health situation in a few weeks and report back on their findings.
For the last few months since the state of emergency was declared and all rehearsals and concerts were suspended, different UIB choirs have rejigged their programmes, maintaining contact with fans and singers over the internet and social networks by offering online content. One highlight is the 'Choristers from home' section where different recordings by choristers in the different UIB choirs can be enjoyed (https://www.coraluib.com/cantaires-a-casa/). In turn, some groups (Cor de Pares i Mares, Coral Juvenil de Joventuts Musicals de Palma and Orfeó UIB) have continued with a regular online rehearsal schedule.
Publication date: Wed Jun 10 12:09:00 CEST 2020
